Method and system for limiting the functionality of a mobile electronic device

ABSTRACT

In a method for assuring compliance with a mandated requirement, a control component resident in said mobile electronic device is implemented in response to receiving an indication to limit the operation of the mobile electronic device in a moving vehicle. A position determining component disposed within the mobile electronic device is used to determine the speed of the mobile electronic device. The speed of the mobile electronic device is determined to exceed a speed threshold and the functionality of the mobile electronic device is restricted based upon the determination that the speed threshold has been exceeded.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATION (DIVISIONAL)

This application is a divisional application of and claims the benefitof co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/810,279 filed on Jun.4, 2007 entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LIMITING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF AMOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE” by Michael Lesyna, and assigned to theassignee of the present application; the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are related to the field ofcontrolling the functionality of mobile electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Driver distractions are currently a leading cause of traffic accidents.Of particular concern are drivers who operate mobile electronic devices(e.g., cellular telephones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and thelike) while driving. Many people feel that drivers who are talking on acellular telephone are particularly prone to accidents or carelessdriving. This is especially true of teenage drivers who do not have thelevel of experience of older drivers. Talking on cellular telephones isnot the only distraction that drivers face. Attempting to dial a phonenumber, access or send text messages, or operate the user interface ingeneral are particularly dangerous as the driver typically is looking atthe cellular telephone rather than the road.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system forlimiting the functionality of a mobile electronic device. In oneembodiment, a position determining component disposed within the mobileelectronic device is used to determine the speed of the mobileelectronic device. It is then determined that the speed of the mobileelectronic device exceeds a speed threshold. Based upon determining thatthe speed of the mobile electronic device exceeds the speed threshold,the functionality of said mobile electronic device is restricted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. Unless specifically noted, the drawings referred to in thisdescription should be understood as not being drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile electronic device upon whichembodiments of the present invention may be implemented.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for limiting the functionality of amobile electronic device in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control component utilized in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for assuring compliance with amandated requirement in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the present invention will be described in conjunctionwith the following embodiments, it will be understood that they are notintended to limit the present invention to these embodiments alone. Onthe contrary, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives,modifications, and equivalents which may be included within the spiritand scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the presentinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, embodiments ofthe present invention may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, andcircuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarilyobscure aspects of the present invention.

Notation and Nomenclature

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented interms of procedures, logic blocks, processing and other symbolicrepresentations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.These descriptions and representations are the means used by thoseskilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the presentapplication, a procedure, logic block, process, or the like, isconceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructionsleading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signal capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated in a computer system.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention,discussions utilizing terms such as “using,” “determining,”“restricting,” “utilizing,” “generating,” “permitting,” “disabling,”“terminating,” “requiring,” “shutting off,” “implementing” or the like,refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similarelectronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms datarepresented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computersystem's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computer system memories or registers orother such information storage, transmission or display devices.

With reference to FIG. 1, portions of the present invention arecomprised of executable instructions that reside, for example, in mobileelectronic device 100. In FIG. 1, mobile electronic device 100 comprisesa processor 101 coupled with an address/data bus 102. Processor 101 isfor processing digital information and instructions and bus 102 is forconveying digital information between various components of mobileelectronic device 100. Also coupled with bus 102 is a volatile memory(e.g., RAM) 103 for storing the digital information and instructions ofa more volatile nature and a non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM) 104 forstoring information and instructions of a more permanent nature. Inaddition, mobile electronic device 100 may optionally include a datastorage device 105 for storing vast amounts of data. In embodiments ofthe present invention, data storage device 105 may comprise a magneticdata storage device, or optical data storage device. It should be notedthat instructions for processor 101 can be stored in non-volatile memory104, volatile memory 103, or data storage device 105.

Returning still to FIG. 1, mobile electronic device 100 furthercomprises a display device 106, an alpha-numeric input device 107 (e.g.,a keyboard), and a cursor control device 108 (e.g., mouse, trackball,light pen, etc.) for inputting data, selections, updates, etc. Displaydevice 106 of FIG. 1 may be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube,or other display device suitable for creating graphic images andalpha-numeric characters recognizable to a user. In one embodiment,display device may display an alpha-numeric interface which can be usedto implement a “soft-key” functionality. Cursor control device 108allows a user to dynamically signal the two dimensional movement of avisible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 106. Manyimplementations of cursor control device 108 are known in the artincluding a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick, or special keyscapable of signaling movement of a given direction or mannerdisplacement. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a cursor can bedirected and/or activated via input from alpha-numeric input 107 usingspecial keys and key sequence commands. Alternatively, the cursor may bedirected and/or activated via input from a number of specially adaptedcursor directing devices.

Returning to FIG. 1, mobile electronic device 100 further comprises awireless communications component 109, comprising a wireless modem 110and a wireless antenna 111, coupled with bus 102. An optional GNSSposition determining component 112, comprising a GNSS receiver 113 and aGNSS antenna 114, is also coupled with bus 102.

Wireless communications component 109 is for transmitting and receivingwireless messages (e.g., data and/or commands). In one embodiment,wireless communications component 109 comprises a cellular wirelessantenna 111 and a cellular wireless modem 110. In one embodiment, mobileelectronic device 100 sends and receives message using the Short MessageService (SMS). However, mobile electronic device 100 is well suited toutilize other message formats as well.

GNSS position determining system 112 is for determining the location ofmobile electronic device 100. In FIG. 1, position determining component112 comprises a GNSS antenna 114 and a GNSS receiver 113. However,mobile electronic device 100 is not limited to using a GNSS positiondetermining system alone. For example, position determining component110 may determine the location of mobile electronic device 100 usingcellular telephone signals, digital television signals,terrestrial-based navigation systems, inertial navigation systems, etc.

In FIG. 1, mobile electronic device 100 further comprises acommunication interface 115 which is coupled with bus 102. In oneembodiment, communication interface 115 is communicatively coupled witha headset 120 comprising a microphone 121 and an earpiece 122. In oneembodiment, headset 120 is communicatively coupled with communicationinterface 115 via a wireless communication system such as the Bluetooth®system. In another embodiment, headset 120 is coupled with communicationinterface 115 via a wired connection.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is an automotive Bluetooth® system 130 which iscommunicatively coupled with communication interface 115. In embodimentsof the present invention, mobile electronic device 100 may becommunicatively coupled with automotive Bluetooth® system 130 whichpermits a user to operate, for example, a cellular telephone using voicecommands while operating a moving vehicle. Automotive Bluetooth® system130 typically synchronizes with mobile electronic device 100 via aBluetooth® system local network and interprets a user's voice commandsto control mobile electronic device 100 via a Bluetooth® connection.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is a control component 150 stored in volatilememory 103. As will be discussed in greater detail below, controlcomponent 150 is for limiting the functionality of mobile electronicdevice 100 when the speed of mobile electronic device 100 exceeds aspeed threshold.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method 200 for limiting the functionality ofa mobile electronic device in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In embodiments of the present invention, method 200 isimplemented by control component 150 of FIG. 1. In step 210 of FIG. 2, aposition determining component disposed within a mobile electronicdevice is used to determine the speed of the mobile electronic device.Referring again to FIG. 1, embodiments of the present invention utilizea position determining device (e.g., 112) disposed within 100 mobileelectronic device to determine the speed of the mobile electronic device100. For example, in one embodiment, successive position fixesdetermined by position determining component 112, as well as the timeinterval between these position fixes, can be used to determine thespeed of mobile electronic device 100 for a given period. In otherwords, the distance traveled by mobile electronic device 100 over aperiod of time is determined.

Embodiments of the present invention benefit from the increasingintegration of position determining components, such as GNSS devices,into mobile electronic devices. As an example, cellular telephonesincreasingly integrate Global Positioning System (GPS) or other GNSSdevices to comply with the Wireless Enhanced 911 service. Other mobileelectronic devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) or thelike also increasingly integrate GNSS devices as well. Thus, embodimentsof the present invention take advantage of this integration to determinethe speed of mobile electronic device 100. It is noted that embodimentsof the present invention are not limited to GNSS position determiningsystems alone. For example, position determining component 112 maydetermine the location of mobile electronic device 100 using cellulartelephone signals, digital television signals, terrestrial-basednavigation systems, inertial navigation systems, etc.

In step 220 of FIG. 2, it is determined that the speed of the mobileelectronic device exceeds a speed threshold. In one embodiment, thedetermination of the speed of mobile electronic device 100 is performedby processor 101 of FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the determination ofthe speed of mobile electronic device 100 is performed by positiondetermining component 112. In embodiments of the present invention, aspeed threshold is established which is used to determine if mobileelectronic device 100 is being operated while in a moving vehicle. Forexample, the speed threshold of mobile electronic device can be set at 8miles per hour. Thus, if it is determined that mobile electronic device100 has a speed of 9 miles per hour, it is assumed that it is beingoperated by a user in a moving vehicle. It is noted that the speedthreshold may be set higher or lower than 8 miles per hour inembodiments of the present invention. More generally, the speedthreshold set for mobile electronic device 100 will be set higher thanthe normal walking or running speed of a human in order to be able toconclusively establish that mobile electronic device 100 is beingoperated in a moving vehicle, or at a speed at which it is desirablethat the user not be distracted by operating mobile electronic device100. In embodiments of the present invention, position determiningcomponent 112 may also compare one or more geographic position fixeswith an electronic map to determine whether mobile electronic device 100is being operated in a moving vehicle on a road. For example, in oneembodiment, position determining component 112 can also determine thealtitude at which mobile electronic device is located. Thus, if it isdetermined that mobile electronic device 100 is at an altitude of 10,000feet above a road, embodiments of the present invention may determinethat the functionality of mobile electronic device 100 may continuewithout restriction. Additionally, if the comparison of the currentgeographic location of mobile electronic device 100 shows that it is inthe middle of a lake or river, embodiments of the present invention willallow the functionality of mobile electronic device 100 to continuewithout restriction. Thus, embodiments of the present invention candifferentiate between whether mobile electronic device 100 is beingoperated in a boat, or airplane, rather than a moving vehicle.

In step 230 of FIG. 2, the functionality of the mobile electronic deviceis restricted based upon determining that its speed exceeds the speedthreshold. In embodiments of the present invention, upon establishingthat mobile electronic device 100 is being operated in a moving vehicle,the functionality of mobile electronic device 100 is restricted in orderto get a user to stop using mobile electronic device in the movingvehicle. Alternatively, the functionality of mobile electronic device100 may be automatically restricted such that operating it in a movingvehicle is undesirable, or impossible.

In one embodiment, mobile electronic device 100 is automatically shutoff in response to determining that its speed exceeds the speedthreshold. In another embodiment, an audible warning is generated inresponse to determining that the speed of mobile electronic device 100exceeds the speed threshold. In one embodiment, the audible warningcomprises a beep or tone to remind the user that the speed threshold hasbeen exceeded and to take corrective action (e.g., to pull off the road,terminate the current operation, etc). In one embodiment, the audiblewarning becomes progressively louder each time it is repeated untilcorrective action is performed. In another embodiment, the audiblewarning comprises a continuous tone which reminds the user that mobileelectronic device should not be operated. In one embodiment thecontinuous tone is loud enough to prevent a user from being able tocontinue a conversation using mobile electronic device 100.

In one embodiment, the display of mobile electronic device shows awarning that mobile electronic device 100 is being operated at an unsafespeed. In one embodiment, no other text, data, graphics, or the like isdisplayed on display device 106 until the speed of mobile electronicdevice is again below the speed threshold.

In one embodiment, the keypad (e.g., alpha-numeric input device 107 ofFIG. 1) is restricted until it is determined that the speed of mobileelectronic device again falls below the speed threshold. In oneembodiment, restricting the keypad of mobile electronic device 100comprises not processing any sequences input using the keypad. In otherwords, the keypad is disabled. In one embodiment, some key sequences areallowed to be processed using the keypad. For example, a user can dial911 even if the speed of mobile electronic device exceeds the speedthreshold in one embodiment. In another embodiment, a user can use thespeed dialing functionality of mobile electronic device 100. This isbecause many users can enter short numeric sequences with a keypadwithout undue distraction from driving. In other words, the user isentering the sequence by feel alone. In one embodiment, the allowed keysequence may be pre-determined. For example, a parent can have mobileelectronic device 100 configured such that their children can speed dialthem, but are prevented from speed dialing their friends or otherparties while the speed of mobile electronic device exceeds the speedthreshold. In one embodiment, the allowed key sequence can be restrictedto single digit speed dialing numbers, two digit speed dialing numbers,etc.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to preventingdrivers from performing actions which may be too distracting for them tooperate a vehicle safely. For example, in one embodiment a user isrestricted from trying to manually dial a phone number, or send a textmessage, if the vehicle in which they are riding is traveling fasterthan the speed threshold. Furthermore, embodiments of the presentinvention may progressively increase the level of functionalityrestriction imposed upon mobile electronic device 100 if a usercontinues to operate it while in a moving vehicle. For example, if auser continues to operate mobile electronic device 100 after an audiblewarning has been generated, one embodiment will automatically shut downmobile electronic device 100. In another embodiment, operation of mobileelectronic device 100 is suspended until the speed of mobile electronicdevice 100 is again below the speed threshold. In other words, mobileelectronic device 100 remains powered on, but the user is unable toutilize it until its speed again falls below the speed threshold.

In one embodiment, restricting the functionality of mobile electronicdevice 100 comprises permitting incoming cellular telephone calls, butpreventing a user from making any outgoing calls. This prevents the userfrom being distracted by operating mobile electronic device 100. Thus,if an incoming call arrives, the user can simply press one button toconnect the call. In one embodiment, the incoming phone call isrestricted to certain permitted originators. For example, a parent canhave mobile electronic device 100 configured such that their childrencan receive a phone call from the parent, but not from friends of thechildren or other parties. However, if the phone call is not from apermitted originator, the phone call is automatically terminated.Alternatively, the phone call may be automatically redirected to a voicemail system. In one embodiment, if a phone call originated prior todetermining that the speed of mobile electronic device 100 has exceededthe speed threshold, the phone call is allowed to continue until theuser has terminated the phone call.

In one embodiment, mobile electronic device 100 determines whether auser is utilizing a hands free device (e.g., headset 120, or automotiveBluetooth® system 130 of FIG. 1). If a hands free device is not beingused to operate mobile electronic device 100, any of the above mentionedrestrictions, or a combination thereof, may be automatically performedin accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This isdesirable due to the fact that many states have passed, or areconsidering, legislation requiring drivers to user hands free deviceswhen operating a cellular telephone in a moving vehicle. Thus,embodiments of the present invention facilitate compliance with mandatedrequirements regarding the operation of cellular telephones.

In one embodiment, a voice activation system may be required inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. Voice activationsystems allow a user to speak a command which is then executed by, forexample, mobile electronic device 100. Thus, rather than usingalpha-numeric input device 107 to dial a number, the user can simplyspeak the telephone number, or say the name of the party being dialed.In embodiments of the present invention, if a voice activation system isnot utilized with mobile electronic device 100, any of the abovementioned restrictions, or a combination thereof, may be automaticallyperformed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Inone embodiment, an outgoing phone call is restricted to certainpermitted parties. For example, a parent can have mobile electronicdevice 100 configured such that their children can call their parent,but not call friends of the children or other parties. Thus, if theoutgoing phone call is not to an allowed party, the phone call isterminated.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented voluntarily, orin response to a mandated requirement (e.g., a legislative restrictionon the use of cellular telephones or other mobile electronic devices).For example, a parent purchasing a cellular telephone (e.g., mobileelectronic device 100) for a child may voluntarily choose to useembodiments of the present invention to limit how or when the cellulartelephone is used by their child. In one embodiment, when the cellulartelephone is being configured (e.g., at a store), control component 150is loaded into non-volatile memory 104. When the cellular telephone ison, control component 150 is loaded into volatile memory 103 and is usedto limit the functionality of the cellular telephone as described above.Thus, parents can take steps to prevent their children from using acellular telephone while driving and thus operate the vehicle safely.Alternatively, any user may elect to implement an embodiment of thepresent invention as an added safety measure. Additionally, insurancecompanies may find it beneficial to offer rate discounts for drivers whoimplement embodiments of the present invention in their cellulartelephones as an incentive.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be voluntarily implementedby, for example, a cellular telephone manufacturer, or cellulartelephone service provider in order to unilaterally restrict the use ofcellular telephones while the user is operating a vehicle. It is notedthat embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented bymanufacturers or service providers of other mobile electronic deviceswho are seeking to curtail or restrict the use of mobile electronicdevices by users who are operating a vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented in responseto a mandated requirement to restrict the use of cellular telephone, orother mobile electronic devices, by users who are operating a vehicle.For example, if a legislative body passes a law requiring therestriction of mobile electronic devices by users who are operating avehicle, embodiments of the present invention provide a method ofcomplying with that requirement. Currently, while states have enactedlegislation intended to prevent cell phone use by people drivingvehicles, many people ignore these laws, or forget and use their cellphones anyway.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control component 150 utilized inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In the embodimentof FIG. 3, control component 150 comprises a speed input 301, a speedcomparator 302 and a function controller 303. In one embodiment,geographic input 304 receives a current geographic position of mobileelectronic device 100 from, for example, position determining component112. Speed comparator 302 is for determining when the speed of mobileelectronic device 100 exceeds a speed threshold (e.g., 390 of FIG. 3).Function controller 303 is for restricting the functionality of mobileelectronic device 100 based upon determining that its speed exceedsspeed threshold 390.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises ageographic position input 304 which is coupled with position comparator305. Geographic position input 304 receives a current geographicposition of mobile electronic device 100. Position comparator 305 is fordetermining that the current geographic position of mobile electronicdevice 100 comprises a road. In one embodiment, position comparator 305compares the current geographic position of mobile electronic device 100with a map or database (not shown) which is stored upon mobileelectronic device 100. An indication generator 306 is for generating andindication that the current geographic position of mobile electronicdevice 100 comprises a road. In one embodiment, the indication generatedby indication generator 306 is used by function controller 303 torestrict the functionality of mobile electronic device 100.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises anaudible warning generator 307. As described above with reference to FIG.2, a variety of audible warnings and/or messages may be generated inaccordance with the present invention to remind a user that they areoperating mobile electronic device 100 in an unsafe manner. In oneembodiment, the audible warning may prevent a user from operating mobileelectronic device 100 in a satisfactory manner.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises akeypad restrictor 308 for restricting the use of a keypad (e.g.,alpha-numeric input device 107 of FIG. 1). As described above withreference to FIG. 2, embodiments of the present invention may prevent auser from using a keypad of mobile electronic device 100 in such amanner as to prevent using mobile electronic device 100 in a movingvehicle. As noted above, embodiments of the present invention may allowsome functionality of the keypad such as allowing the dialing ofemergency services (e.g., 911), approved speed dialing sequences,approved telephone numbers, or approved recipients of a phone call.Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may prevent a userfrom entering and/or sending text messages using keypad restrictor 308.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises anallowed key sequence database 309 and a key sequence verifier 310.Allowed key sequence database 309 is for storing an allowed keysequence. As described above, control component 150 can be configuredsuch that only allowed key sequences are permitted to be dialed when thespeed of mobile electronic device 100 exceeds speed threshold 390. Thiscan comprise, for example, a one digit or two digit speed dialingsequence, or the phone number of an approved party. Key sequenceverifier 310 is for verifying that the key sequence entered by a userwhen the speed of mobile electronic device 100 exceeds speed threshold390 comprises a key sequence stored in allowed key sequence database309. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 furthercomprises a key sequence enabler 311 for permitting the input keysequence which has been verified by key sequence verifier 310 to beentered using the keypad and executed by mobile electronic device 100.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises akeypad disabler 312 for disabling the keypad of mobile electronic device100 entirely in response to determining that the speed of mobileelectronic device 100 exceeds speed threshold 390.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises amessage restrictor 313 for restricting the use of mobile electronicdevice 100 to receiving incoming calls. In embodiments of the presentinvention, upon determining that the speed of mobile electronic device100 exceeds speed threshold 390, message restrictor 313 permits incomingtelephone calls to be received. In one embodiment, message restrictor313 is further operable for preventing an outgoing call from being madeby mobile electronic device 100 while its speed exceeds speed threshold390.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises acaller comparator 314 and a call terminator 315. In embodiments of thepresent invention, caller comparator 314 is for determining whether anincoming call is from a permitted caller. There are a variety of methodsfor determining whether an incoming call is coming from a permittedcaller in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In oneembodiment, control component 150 can compare the phone number of theincoming call to a stored database (not shown) to determine whether theincoming call is coming from a permitted caller. In embodiments of thepresent invention, call terminator 315 is for terminating an incomingtelephone call if it is determined that the incoming call is not from apermitted originator.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises adevice verifier 316 for verifying the use of a hands-free device tooperate mobile electronic device 100. As described above with referenceto FIG. 2, in one embodiment if a user is not using a hands-free device(e.g., headset 120, or automotive Bluetooth® system 130 of FIG. 1),function controller 303 will restrict the functionality of mobileelectronic device 100. In one embodiment, device verifier 316 does notrequire the use of a hands-free device unless the speed of mobileelectronic device 100 exceeds speed threshold 390.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises avoice activation verifier 317 for verifying the use of a voiceactivation system to utilize mobile electronic device 100. In oneembodiment of the present invention, voice activation verifier 317 doesnot verify the use of a voice activation system unless the speed ofmobile electronic device 100 exceeds speed threshold 390. In embodimentsof the present invention, if a voice activation system is not used whenthe speed of mobile electronic device 100 exceeds speed threshold 390,function controller 303 will restrict the functionality of mobileelectronic device 100.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises ashut-down initiator 318 for initiating a shut down sequence of mobileelectronic device 100 if its speed exceeds speed threshold 390. It isnoted that embodiments in accordance with the present invention maycomprise more components than discussed above, or may comprise fewerthan discussed with reference to FIG. 3.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, control component 150 further comprises anautomotive voice activation system verifier 330. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, automotive voice activation system verifier 330is for verifying that an automotive voice activation system is beingused to control mobile electronic device 100. In one embodiment,automotive voice activation system verifier 330 verifies that aBluetooth® based automotive voice activation system (e.g., automotiveBluetooth® system 130) is communicatively coupled with mobile electronicdevice 100. Additionally, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention, the use of one or more of the above mentioned components is aconfigurable option when enabling control component 150. For example, inone embodiment a user can configure control component 150 such thatfunction controller 303 utilizes keypad disabler 312 in response todetermining that the speed of mobile electronic device 100 exceeds speedthreshold 390. In another embodiment, a user can configure controlcomponent 150 such that function controller 303 utilizes shut-downinitiator 318 in response to determining that the speed of mobileelectronic device 100 exceeds speed threshold 390. Similarly, controlcomponent 150 can be configured such that function controller 303utilizes audible warning generator 307, keypad restrictor 308, keysequence enabler 311, key sequence verifier 310, allowed key sequencedatabase 309, message restrictor 313, caller comparator 314, callterminator 315, device verifier 316, voice activation verifier 317,automotive voice activation system verifier 330, or a combinationthereof.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for assuring compliance with amandated requirement in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. In step 410 of FIG. 4, a control component resident in amobile electronic device is implemented in response to receiving anindication to limit the operation of the mobile electronic device in amoving vehicle. As described above, in one embodiment an indication tolimit the operation of mobile electronic device 100 is voluntary. Forexample, a parent configuring mobile electronic device 100 to utilizecontrol component 150 when purchasing it for a child. In anotherexample, a user may elect to utilize control component 150 in order toreceive a rate discount from an insurance company. In anotherembodiment, control component 150 may be utilized by, for example, acellular telephone manufacturer or service provider in order tounilaterally limit the use of cellular telephones by people operating avehicle. In another embodiment, control component 150 may be implementedin order to comply with a mandated requirement to limit cell phone useby people operating vehicles.

In step 420 of FIG. 4, a position determining component disposed withinthe mobile electronic device is used to determine the speed of themobile electronic device. As discussed above with reference to FIG. 1,embodiments of the present invention utilize a position determiningcomponent which is disposed within a mobile electronic device (e.g.,position determining component 112 of FIG. 1). This is possible in partdue to the increasing integration of position determining componentswithin mobile electronic devices such as cellular telephones, PDAs andthe like.

In step 430 of FIG. 4, it is determined that the speed of the mobileelectronic device exceeds a speed threshold. As described above, inembodiments of the present invention control component 150 compares thecurrent speed of mobile electronic device 100 with speed threshold 390to determine whether mobile electronic device 100 is being operated in amoving vehicle.

In step 440 of FIG. 4, the functionality of the mobile electronic deviceis restricted based upon determining that its speed exceeds the speedthreshold. As discussed above, in embodiments of the present inventionif it is determined that the speed of mobile electronic device 100exceeds speed threshold 390, function controller 303 will restrict thefunctionality of mobile electronic device 100. In embodiments of thepresent invention, this may comprise shutting down mobile electronicdevice 100, or restricting its operation such that a user will find itinconvenient to continue using mobile electronic device 100. As aresult, the user will be encouraged to pull their vehicle off of theroad to continue using mobile electronic device 100, or to use it later.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention, method and system forlimiting the functionality of a mobile electronic device, is thusdescribed. While the present invention has been described in particularembodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention shouldnot be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construedaccording to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for assuring compliance with a mandated requirement, said method comprising: implementing a control component resident in a mobile electronic device in response to receiving an indication to limit the operation of said mobile electronic device in a moving vehicle; using a position determining component disposed within said mobile electronic device to determine the speed of said mobile electronic device; determining that the speed of said mobile electronic device exceeds a speed threshold; restricting the functionality of said mobile electronic device based upon said determining by generating an audible warning from said mobile electronic in response to use or attempted use of said mobile electronic device for a voice communication, wherein said audible warning becomes progressively louder until a corrective action is performed; and requiring the use of a hands-free device as said corrective action in order in order to operate said mobile electronic device without said audible warning.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said using said position determining component further comprises: utilizing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) compliant position determining component to determine the speed of said mobile electronic device.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising: using said GNSS compliant position determining component to determine a current geographic position of said mobile electronic device; and determining that said current geographic position of said mobile electronic device comprises a road.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said restricting the functionality of said mobile electronic device further comprises: restricting the use of a keypad of said mobile electronic device.
 5. The method as recited in claim 4 wherein said restricting the use of said keypad further comprises: permitting an allowed key sequence to be entered using said keypad.
 6. The method as recited in claim 4 wherein said restricting the use of said keypad further comprises: disabling said keypad.
 7. The method as recited in claim 4 wherein said restricting the functionality of said mobile electronic device further comprises: restricting the use of said mobile electronic device to receiving incoming telephone calls.
 8. The method as recited in claim 7 wherein said restricting the use of said mobile electronic device to incoming telephone calls further comprises: determining that said incoming telephone call is not from a permitted originator; and terminating said incoming telephone call.
 9. The method as recited in claim 7 further comprising: determining that a telephone call using said mobile electronic device originated prior to said determining the speed of said mobile electronic device; and permitting said telephone call to continue subsequent to said determining that said speed exceeds said speed threshold.
 10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said hands-free device comprises an automotive based voice activation system, and said method further comprises: using an automotive based voice activation system to receive a spoken command, and utilizing an automotive based short range wireless personal area network to control said mobile electronic device based upon said spoken command.
 11. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said hands-free device comprises a voice activation system.
 12. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: selecting said mobile electronic device from the group consisting of a cellular telephone and a personal digital assistant (PDA).
 13. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said restricting the functionality of said mobile electronic device further comprises: shutting off said mobile electronic device. 